Paul Murphy (Dublin South West, RISE)
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161. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality if she will consider simplifying the visa process for non-EU workers. [56807/22]

Helen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael)
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I can inform the Deputy that in order to work in Ireland all non-EEA Nationals, unless they are exempted, must hold a valid Employment Permit. The Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment (DETE) administers the Employment Permits system.

Visa required nationals must apply for a Type D Employment Visa after they have received an Employment Permit from DETE. Guidance on how to apply for an employment visa and details of the supporting documents required are outlined on my Department's immigration website www.irishimmigration.ie.

Employment visas are processed by the Immigration Service Delivery (ISD) area of my Department. There are currently seven overseas Visa Offices in addition to the Visa Office in Dublin. In addition, the Department of Foreign Affairs process certain visa applications in Irish Embassies abroad under delegated sanction from my Department. The Dublin Visa Office are currently processing Employment Visas received, in Dublin, on the 29 August 2022.

While every effort is made to process applications as soon as possible, processing times will vary having regard to the volume and complexity of applications, the possible need for the ISD area of the Department to investigate, inquire into, or seek further information, and the resources available.